Anyone from or lived in NC or SC?

[luvdisney81]

You won't find snakes in the Beaufort area, just the little garden ones that can't hurt you. I've only seen one in 10 years. Gators are not that bad either. They are usually by the golf courses but used to tourist so they stay away. Run in a zig-zag and they can't get you. Gators must stop, turn and then start again if you turn. On rare occasions you may see them on a dune somewhere while boating but really they won't bother you. www.beaufortgazette.com is for Beaufort, SC

Have fun Maleficent2!!! I'm so jealous, I want to go home this weekend and sit by the water. Haven't been home since March, just for one day on my way to Disney. This red clay is getting to me up here in Rock Hill.

Oooh a plus to the Beaufort/Savannah area. 5 hours from Orlando!!! Easy trip.

 

[tar heel]

If you live in a subdivision, you probaby won't see that many snakes. Go further out in the country and you'll see a few. There were a lot more in the mountains where I grew up than in the Piedmont where I live now.

I live 20 miles from North Carolina's biggest city, Charlotte, in a growing area. Average house price here is a little below $150,000, but the huge influx of people from elsewhere has driven the price of new homes a good bit higher than that. You can get a decent home for that price in almost all areas of the state. Two of my five cul-de-sac neighbors are from the North (NY and Conn). There are probably as many Catholics as Baptists in my neighborhood. Religion IS a big thing in the Carolinas -- it is assumed that you go to church. There are some people who don't accept Northerners but they are the exception instead of the rule -- those people wouldn't think much of a Southern liberal like me either.

People who move here are usually surprised by the vehicle tax (as someone mentioned) but also by the real estate taxes, which are often a fraction of what they have been accustomed to.

Someone mentioned Lake Norman. That is a nice area, but don't expect to get a house with lake access for $150,000! You would probably need to add a zero.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by msdis
I'm researching NC & SC and would like to hear about life there. What towns/cities are best for whatever reason and have lower crime? We are looking at semi-retirement and the slower life and maybe a nice community. We are from a low income part of the country and are looking for reasonable housing costs. Our average home is about $150,000, maybe a little more with recent trends so we are looking for similar costs for a nice home on perhaps 1/2-1 acre.

Also, I hate to ask this question but we have been told people from the north are not welcome in the Carolina's. That they hate northerners. It's ok to say if that is the feeling. I'd rather know now than later. If so, is it more so in certain areas as opposed to other areas?

Here's another crazy fear. Both DH and I are terrified of snakes. We have outdoor pets and are concerned. We have been led to believe they are everywhere. We have no poisonous snakes or bugs here so our concerns there would be much greater. Is it a big problem in residential areas or more so elsewhere?

Anything else anyone can add about anything helpful would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

I live in Florida but have relatives in South Carolina and we visit Hilton Head often. I don't thing people in the Carolinas are unfriendly to Northerners as long as you come with the right attitude. What bothers Southerners most is Northerners who move to the South and then constantly belittle and make fun of everything Southern. The people I am talking about make fun of the way we talk, the way we dress, things we like to eat, think everyone is barefooted and redneck, etc. Then they always add to the conversation, Well that is not the way we did it in New York, or Boston, meaning their way was better. Most Southerners are likely to say at that time, if the North was so great, why did you move South?

And Yes there are snakes, poisonious ones. It's part of the territory and bugs too. Especially mosquiotes, ants, ticks and fleas. Kinda like our gators and palmetto bugs.

Yes the Carolinas are part of the Bible belt. Acceptance of nonchurch going folks will be greater in the larger cities, less in the small towns. Small town folks are very friendly. That also means they like to know everyone's business. When we go visit relatives, the phone will ring at their house letting them know we were seen coming into town. If that kind of thing bothers you, then pick a larger city.

I have good friend who went to visit her Grandmother in North Carolina. A very small town. While there she took a different road from her Grandmother's into town than what she normally travels. She was seen by a neighbor. The neighbor called her Grandmother and asked what my friend was doing out on County Road 6. Her Grandmother replied, going to WalMart. Which the neighbor replied, Likely story, no one would go that way from your house to WalMart, she must be meeting someone. My friend grew up there, and thought this was hilarious when she got back to her Grandmother's and was told the story.

Here is a website listing the snakes of NC and insects.
http://www.naturalearning.org/DSST.html

And one listing snakes of South Carolina.
http://www.snakesandfrogs.com/scra/snakes/scsnake.htm

This is not to say you will walk down the street and see snakes, but snakes are part of nature in the Carolinas and as you will see from the websites, all areas of the state. If you stay away from their habitat they will leave you alone.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by luvdisney81
You won't find snakes in the Beaufort area, just the little garden ones that can't hurt you. I've only seen one in 10 years. Gators are not that bad either. They are usually by the golf courses but used to tourist so they stay away. Run in a zig-zag and they can't get you. Gators must stop, turn and then start again if you turn. On rare occasions you may see them on a dune somewhere while boating but really they won't bother you. www.beaufortgazette.com is for Beaufort, SC

Have fun Maleficent2!!! I'm so jealous, I want to go home this weekend and sit by the water. Haven't been home since March, just for one day on my way to Disney. This red clay is getting to me up here in Rock Hill.

Oooh a plus to the Beaufort/Savannah area. 5 hours from Orlando!!! Easy trip.

Actually there are snakes in your area and are listed on the Beaufort online website. You have been lucky to not see one and have probably avoided their habitat which is good, but they are there.

http://www.beaufortonline.com/almanac/snakes/

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I'm a transplated westerner (AZ and CA). Moved to the Carolina's 6 years ago. I've never experienced anything negative re not being a born southerner and I don't pick up accents so still don't talk like I'm from the south. People here have been very friendly.

I live in a small town and haven't experienced any problems with not being particularly church going. Although it IS the bible belt and church does creep into life in many ways here but that's not a bad thing. DD goes to a Moravian Church preschool that we all just LOVE and have attended some services and events there. I'm friends with one of DD's former teachers and her whole family, who are Catholic, but she teachers at the Moravian school. There are many churches in our town of different faiths, along with one huge Catholic one.

I think another poster probably got it right about the people who bash the south are probably ones that aren't accepted well.

My DS's school is EXCELLENT. Has been designated a "School of Excellence" for several years in a row based on test scores and believe me this school takes education VERY seriously. Maybe it depends on the area you're in but our schools are great.

I also do not like snakes. Good news in 6 years I've seen 2. Bad news they were both in my back yard. Neither were poisonous, one a garden snake that DH relocated, other was a rat snake that I watched our dog chase out of the yard. We live in a rural area so that's not too bad I guess.

My sister just moved to a really nice area near a lot of the posters - Tega Cay, SC. Rock Hill and Fort Mill are close to her. It's really nice around Lake Wylie.

Glad to hear good stuff about Beaufort. Haven't been there yet but from what I've read it might be a place for us to retire!

Good luck with your research. Take some trips down here and look around!

 

[SideshowBob]

Tons of good info, and lots of great places listed.

Grew up in Charleston, SC... so partial to that area... but have loved visits to Asheville and many others mentioned.

Good luck!

 

[bcvgal]

As a native from NC we welcome you with open arms. Anywhere in the carolinas is great. I live close to Charlotte but grew up in High Point. If i had my choice of anywhere in the Carolinas to live i would be in Ocean Isle Beach right now. Don't tell anyone about it though-it's our secret.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Originally posted by SideshowBob
Tons of good info, and lots of great places listed.

Grew up in Charleston, SC... so partial to that area... but have loved visits to Asheville and many others mentioned.

Good luck!

SSB - Are you a DMB Fan??


OP - My friend lives in Spartenburg and my sister in Lexington...SC is very nice!

DH is from Monroe NC

 

[SandrainNC]

The paper in Charlotte is www.charlotte.com.

Sandra

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by DisneyDmbNut
SSB - Are you a DMB Fan??


OP - My friend lives in Spartenburg and my sister in Lexington...SC is very nice!

DH is from Monroe NC

I am a huge fan. I love your Logo!

 

[SideshowBob]

Yeppers...

Like you logo.... AND... SSB is indeedy a DMB fan!!!

 

[merryg]

Aiken, SC www.aikenstandard.com

Augusta, GA(very close to Aiken, would have job listings for Aiken as well) www.augustachronicle.com

 

[suzannen]

I grew up in Chapel Hill (now a d**n Yankee in NY). Since the UNC college dominates the town, folks were from all over the country with quite a large group from north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The retirement communities have even added to that influx. The public schools are excellent, but housing costs are high. It's a beautiful town and my family still lives there.

As far as the religion question, you have less of that "Bible Belt" influence in this town, but more of the MUST worship basketball - that's the TRUE religion in this area (that and you must swear you will hate Duke no matter what).

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Originally posted by suzannen

As far as the religion question, you have less of that "Bible Belt" influence in this town, but more of the MUST worship basketball - that's the TRUE religion in this area (that and you must swear you will hate Duke no matter what).


As a graduate of Chapel Hill I had to laugh. It is so true!

Lori

 

[Kimmykins]

DF and I move to a town not far from Charlotte, NC from Pittsburgh, PA last August. While I was not too enthusiastic when we first moved, (being away from family, etc.) I am actually beginning to like it here. More mild winters, beautiful scenery, and city life not far away. Though I still miss home and I have hopes of moving back there in a few years.

 

[cati]

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[Ratpack]

Lots of good info here so I really can't add much more. I have lived in NC all my life. I have lived in Raleigh, Greensboro area and Charlotte which are the bigger cities of NC. All have their pluses and minuses but I would say Raleigh is the better choice for city. Charlotte is getting out of hand. In fact we are leaving Charlotte in June to move to Lexington, SC. I will be working in Aiken, SC which I have seen mentioned so that was great to hear. I think you will be pleasantly surprised as far as housing prices compared to up north and snakes are not a real problem unless you are in a remote area. And even if you do, as long as you do not threaten them or corner them, they will run from you as fast as you from them. And in regards to acceptance of Northern people, I think you will find the 90-10 rule where 90%accept with good ol' Southern hospitality and 10% want to ship you back. Unfortunately, the 10% is all people hear about whether it be South accepting North or the other way around. The one thing I will mention is the summers. Depending on how far north you are that may take more getting used to than anything. It is hot down here and humid. I see a lot of northern people say they will not go to FL in the summer for this reason, but it can be just as bad here. The mountain areas are a little different but for the most part, NC and SC are not much different than FL heat wise.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Emerald Isle, or Emerald coast. I can't remember exactly what it was called. Swansboro, NC. If you like beautiful coastal life.

 

[msdis]

Wow, so many more great posts. Thanks so much everyone. I can't wait to start researching all this info.

I fully understand about the "we do things this way where we came from" kinda thing. I guess that's just human nature. We see that here from people who move 2 towns over let alone 1200-1500 miles away. I actually love to learn about different cultures and like the interaction of learning/teaching rather than belittling people because they are different. So I agree, attitude and respect says it all. We're not going to be like Paris and Nikki on "The Simple Life". We're a whole lot closer to the simple life.

Believe it or not the biggest problem we are having aside from the job,and family issues are the poisonous snakes and bugs. We have lived here in this house 5 years and have seen 2 snakes(we have no deadly snakes/bugs here) and everytime we go out we look for snakes. I guess it's more the element of surprise and probably the fear of the unknown because we have never had any REAL concern because we both know there is nothing really harmful here.

As far as the weather goes, that's what we are looking forward to most. We are still running our heat from 1/2 the day to just at night. Yesterday it was 41, as was most of the week. Surprisingly lots of people up here like the cold, we are sick of it.

How about the job situation? Are jobs easy to find or is unemployment high? Both of us are professionals by virtue of work experience, but without degrees, which may limit us. Again, we will take what we can if we have to. Does anyone know which companies allow and/or pay for medical for part timers. We will need some money but may be able to get by if we can get medical all or partially paid for wages aside. We are still far from SS and medicare so we need something with good medical.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Jockaroo]

Can't speak for all the Carolinas, but as far as the Charlotte area....

Big employers are Banks (financial institutions), the school system, hospitals and US Airways (in some pretty bad financial problems right now unfortunately.) Charlotte region is seeing a large amount of construction so industries dealing with building are growing. Textile manufacturing is dead.

Most professional jobs tend to offer health benefits. The best ones will come from working within the healthcare industry. Don't know about part time work. As far as unemployment, some smaller areas such as Kannapolis are seeing huge numbers because a textile plant closure put over 5,000 out of work. Retail is growing with large, upscale stores coming to the area. Nascar is really huge in this area and there are some jobs in this industry (although I hear it is very competitive.) Musac is headquartered over the SC border and will be adding over 100 jobs this year.

If you want to enhance your skills, one of the best community colleges in the nation is located in Charlotte -- Central Piedmont Community College (www.cpcc.edu) It is affordable and offers excellent training.

You asked about newspapers. Check this link. http://newslink.org/ncnews.html

Charlotte property values are all over the place. There are some areas that you would not want to live. Many people I know tend to live in adjoining counties: Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston, etc. Charlotte/Mecklenburg Co. adjoins South Carolina so you will want to consider these as well.

Other key cities mentioned worth considering are Greensboro (visited and would live here without a question), Raleigh, Winston-Salem (home of the infamous Krispy-Kreme), Asheville and Boone. I have a preference for the mountains so if I could have my pick I'd take Asheville or Boone.

Some small towns will resent "foreigners." I experienced this. The idea that generations had to live in one area to be a native bothered me at first. But now, so many of us are transplants (I'm from another Southern state BTW), we are outnumbering them. Most of our friends are from outside NC. As are most of my neighbors!

Snakes? Yes, they exist here in plentiful numbers. Get a condo in the city and you won't see many. Get out in a subdivision and they are a fact of life. Leave them alone--they won't bother you. Black snakes (rat snakes) are good--they kill rats and copperheads. Please don't kill any black snakes--one of my neighbors killed mine last year--broke my heart.